Our Trips » Christmas Markets

Departure Times

Highlights

Discover the enchanting city of Vilnius, a captivating blend of medieval charm and modern vibrancy. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town, features winding cobblestone streets lined with Baroque architecture, countless churches, and contrasting reminders of its 20th centure Soviet legacy.  Highlights include the iconic Gates of Dawn, the hilltop Gediminas castle tower perched over the city, the Bohemian district of Uzupis, and the Vilnius cathedral and of the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania to name a few.  

Beyond its historic sights, Vilnius offers a cozy cafe cultural, great restaurants, and a lively &, trendy nightlife scene.  And on top of all this, Vilnius is ranked as one of the most affordable capital cities in Europe!

*For Christmas & winter season lovers - Vilnius will be the "European Christmas Capital" for 2025

Itinerary

Day 1 - Vilnius Arrive on your own and check in to accommodations (from 3pm check in is available) for Meet Us There Package.  Free night to relax or explore Vilnius

Evening options in Vilnius can include - wandering the old town and enjoying the numerous great craft beer spots, pubs and restaurants for top quality local or international cuisine.  You will receive detailed evening options & recommendations (and any booking info for optional tours, excursions, concerts, events, etc.) by email with the day to day itinerary, & online e-guide you will be sent before the trip’s start.

Day 2 - Vilnius Breakfast included.  Meet the guide to explore Vilnius’ historic old town.  On this tour you’ll stroll through the narrow streets of old town,, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the former Jewish quarter, St. Anne's church, Užupis, as well as some hidden surprises along the way.  This tour not only gives you the history of the more than 700 years of the city but also tales of its life  through the eyes of a local.

After a short break for lunch you’ll head to one of the city’s most infamous locations, the Lukiškės Prison where for 115 years it was guarded by high walls and barbed wire, but today the site is open to the public as a repurposed arts & entertainment spot for exhibitions, concerts and more. This unique space (which was the filming location for the Soviet prison scenes in Stranger Things season 4) was where the most notorious of criminals would be sent from murderers & other violent criminals to religious & political dissidents and others deemed “threats” by the Soviet authorities including pro-independence Lithuanians.  During this fascinating tour you’ll learn the stories of the prison, see the cells, including the Orthodox cathedral inside the prison.  After you can enjoy a drink at one of the several bars now built inside the prison courtyard.

Free evening.

Day 3 - Vilnius Breakfast included.   This morning you’ll visit the building that once housed the Gestapo headquarters during the Nazi occupation, and then the KGB headquarters during the subsequent Soviet occupation.  Now a museum, it documents the loss of independence in the mid-20th century, the repressions carried out by the Soviet government, and the people’s struggle to regain their independence. You’ll see the former KGB internal prison and cells, and see the stories of the suffering of the people imprisoned here and their struggle not to lose their human dignity, faith and hope.

This afternoon you’ll meet the guide to embark on a culinary adventure in Vilnius, where centuries-old food traditions continue with modern day interpretations.  You’ll explore the rich tapestry of the Lithuanian menu: influenced by various nations, historical nuances and what is available from the Baltic Sea to the inner farmlands & forests.   You’ll be surprised to find that this country’s culinary delights extend much further than just potato or meat dishes.  On this tour you’ll have the opportunity to sample various Lithuanian delicacies as well as try several  traditional naturally infused spirits (for palate cleansing), with the flavors you’ve likely never tried before (non-alcoholic options also available).. 

Free evening.

Day 4 - Vilnius Breakfast included.  Free day and departure on your own (if you have a later departure you can leave your bags with reception).

*Trip Style - This is an independent trip ideal for groups of friends, family, couples, or even for an independent-minded solo traveler. It is designed as a travel & destination package, not solely as a "group trip". You will be on group tours/activities with other travelers and in a room with other travelers if you book the "shared dorm hostel" package (if you book the "private" room package then you of course will be in your own private room). You will however, have independent time between the guided group tours/activities to explore on your own and do as you please, and will receive a detailed info packet by email with numerous recommendations for additional group activities or tours (beyond what is included), sights/museums and food/drink/nightlife info, etc. It's a great balance between guided & included tours/activities and free time so that you have plenty of time on your own to do what you want.